ROYALS' sports scientist Niall Clarke has been rewarded with a new five-year contract by the club.

Clarke is seen as a major figure on the training ground at Reading. Since his arrival in the summer of 2000 the fitness levels of players has risen dramatically, while injuries have plummeted.

And the Evening Post can exclusively reveal he has signed a new deal to thwart rival clubs who were starting to show interest.

It is understood several sides were keen to lure Clarke away, and although former Royals boss Alan Pardew had not made any approach for his old colleague due to a legal agreement, it is thought he would have tried to tempt Clarke to West Ham at the end of the season.

Former Academy director John Stephenson initially brought Clarke to Reading in August 2000 as education officer and the head of sports science.

Clarke's involvement steadily grew and he now has a major say on the training ground.

Despite Pardew's departure, new boss Steve Coppell has welcomed Clarke's involvement and Clarke said: "Signing a five-year deal in the current climate in football is unbelievable, but it just shows what a forward-thinking club Reading is.

"Director of Football Nicky Hammond was a pivotal figure in this, but the board and the manager have been brilliant.

"Steve (Coppell) is very open-minded and an intelligent man and he has seen the benefits of sports science.

"All the work reducing injuries and improving fitness levels has been recognised and I'm delighted to sign a new deal as I love this club and I love working with this group of players."

In Clarke's three seasons as first-team sports scientist Reading have reached the Second Division play-off final, secured promotion to Division 1 and came within a couple of games of reaching the top flight for the first time in the club's history last season.

He studied for his degree in sports science at Surrey University before completing his Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Brunel and his Masters in sports science, majoring in exercise and physiology, at Exeter.

He is also a fully qualified Football Association fitness trainer and is currently studying for his PHD Doctorate, majoring in physiology.

Meanwhile Royals skipper Adie Williams makes his comeback from a knee injury today in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Watford.

The central defender has been sidelined since limping off in the home clash with Wigan on November 8.

Steve Brown will play his second match since shrugging of a knee problem, while Royals will take a look at trialist Michael Taylor.

Taylor, aged 21 from Blackburn Rovers, is a central defender who can play right back.